“Brooklyn Public Library on April 23 released 250 for 250, a librarian-curated list of the 250 most notable books from 250 years of American history, reflecting on the pivotal role books and stories have played in shaping the country we are today. Starting with Thomas Paine’s Common Sense, the list includes books published between 1776 and 2025. A committee of nearly two dozen librarians made the final selections. They considered well over 600 books in their discussions, working to create a list that reflects the breadth and depth of America’s stories.”